Program Overview

Music Education (PK-12 Certification), M.A.T.

College of Education

School of Music

Become a licensed South Carolina music teacher and enjoy performance, teaching, leading, and research opportunities. Develop outstanding professional teaching skills in this one- to two-year program.

In collaboration with the USC College of Education, the master of arts in teaching degree is designed for music students whose undergraduate degree was not in music education. Prepare for a career in music education and qualify for initial South Carolina teacher certification. Choose from a choral/vocal, instrumental strings, or instrumental winds/percussion track.

Program Highlights

• Distinguished School: Since 1969, the School of Music has consistently retained the distinctive National Association of Schools of Music accreditation.
• Real Experiences: Learn while doing with hands-on experiences teaching in one or more Music For Your Life community outreach programs.
• Supportive Community: Foster your creative learning, skill development, and personal exploration through Spark: Music Leadership at Carolina.
• Expansive Network: Virtually half of all public school music teachers in South Carolina are graduates of our program.

What You’ll Study

Study music education foundations and techniques, graduate music courses, professional education courses in the College of Education, courses in music learning and teaching, and practicum opportunities. Participate in ensembles and collaborate with other students in real teaching experiences through Music for Your Life programs for children and adults.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

• Teaching: Foster learning by conveying knowledge, skills, and concepts to students.
• Communication: Exchanging information and ideas through speaking, writing, or other means of expression.
• Leadership: Inspiring and guiding others to achieve common goals and reach their full potential.
• Cultural Awareness: Learning about and respecting diverse cultures and beliefs.
• Presentation Skills: Preparing and delivering effective and engaging presentations to inform, persuade, or inspire.
• Collaboration: Working with others to achieve a common goal or objective.

Using Your Degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

• Potential Careers:
  • Teacher
  • Educator
• Job Titles of Alumni:
  • Music Teacher
  • Choral Director
  • Band Director
  • Orchestra Director
  • Music Education Specialist
  • Private Lessons Teacher
• Workplace Settings:
  • Music
  • Education
• Employers of Alumni:
  • Charleston County School District
  • Richland County School District Two
  • University of South Carolina
  • Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra
  • South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra
  • String Theory Chamber Music

Advanced Degrees

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

• Doctorate:
  • Music Education, Ph.D.
  • School of Music

Related Degrees

• Master's:
  • Jazz Studies: Music, M.M.
  • Music Performance, M.M.
  • Violin/Viola Pedagogy: Music, M.M.
  • Opera Theatre: Music, M.M.
  • Dance Studies, M.A.
  • Media Arts, M.A.
  • Coaching Education, M.S.
  • Theatre Education (PK-12 Certification), M.A.T.
  • Theatre, M.A.